Sunday, November 30, 2008

This is my 2008's thanks:-mother nature- sun in November is awesome-we the people- Obama-ma, pa, Kris and the rest of the fam-Kathy Griffin- you make Palin fun...or funny...or make fun of her. D) All of the above, final answer.-UW teams that win-Scinnomon Ladypants-friends, friends, friends and friends-Mini Vans-Ms. Keys-Vegas' most awesome married ladies-Top Shop...it makes Cori smile. Among other things, cough cough, carmy-the one and only, Tommie Girl-Americanos with eggnog-sister's heart-advances in medicine-Coldplay's lyrics-my round feet-the peeps at my j.o.b.-buddabye-my mom's awesomeness at Cranium. Square, square, square.....rectangle.-homes with two rooms-Tina Fey-February 1st, 2008-JoeJoe's kitchen masterpieces

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Welp my friends...just when I think I am going to get more consistent with this blogging thing, I fall off the map :)

The last couple of weeks have been pretty hectic...between all the election hype, work, searching for the perfect house and trying to keep my house clean, I haven't had a second to update the good old blog. But now that a counter has been added to it, I do see that people actually look at this thing. So let me fill you in on what's been going on in my world.

The day before Halloween I found out some terrible news...a good friend of mine, Michelle French, we call her Frenchie, was diagnosed with non-hodkins lymphoma. Of course all of the whys, how comes and why I outta's ran through my brain but then I remembered the how unlucky this specific disease was. It struck the wrong person...Frenchie is probably one of the hardest workers and most positive people I know. I can honestly say that I have never seen her frown. Even when shaving her hair off she had a huge smile on her face. She is amazing and an amazing inspiration. So that was my end to October...good riddance.

November started with a bang...a bang by the name of Obama! I am so happy that I do not have to hear another campaign commercial for a few years. Even happier that my ballot mimicked the results. I was pretty sure I was going to need to join one of my friends overseas until times got better. After looking at cnn.com throughout the day to see if I could catch a hint of a democratic lead, I finally started to hear great reports as I was catching the first UW women's exhibition game. I am pretty sure I cheered the loudest when I heard that Obama took Virginia and Florida. I hurried home after an exciting second half (or last 5 minutes and OT) and waited until Jessica got home so we could join the masses and celebrate in the streets. Mobs of people had many intersections of Broadway blocked off as they celebrated Change and diversity. It was an amazing thing to be apart of....people celebrating in the streets and the police sitting back, taking pictures and enjoying the beginning of a new era. YES WE CAN!Last week was topped of with an amazing performance by Brett Dennen. If you haven't heard of him, take it from me, check him out. I was introduced to him by Jessica and Keeler...both of them raved about this "pacific northwest, Jack Johnson-ish" singer. Watching him live at the Triple Door was a great way to get over the usual Wednesday/Hump Day blues.

Pretty much everything after that is boring. I am excited to report that I soon will be moving out of my small little coop and into a new house. My parents are selling the last of the South Dakota fields and investing in a rental house. Thankfully I will get to benefit on that and move into a place with a little more space. SO, if you know of anyone who would like to by an awesome studio in an upbeat and ever-changing neighborhood, tell them to give me a shout.

ABOUT ME

Donate to ALS TDI

If you would like to donate directly to ALS Therapy Development Institute in honor of Melissa Erickson to help us continue to raise money and awareness for ALS, we thank you. Your tax deductible donations can be made here: Community.als.net/melissaericksonfun

On behalf of myself, my family and all of my friends who have supported me along the way, I send a huge THANKS for your thoughts, prayers and support.
Sincerely,
Melissa Erickson

MORE ABOUT ME

Let me give you all a little background on me. For the first 27 years of my life I was extremely active. I started playing basketball when I was 10 years old. It defined my life and gave me incredible opportunities for which I am most grateful. I earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Washington which enabled me to continue my education. From there I went on to coach and play professionally in Germany and Portugal. Basketball brought me to many countries and gave me immeasurable amounts of pleasure, pride and independence. When I was 25 and in my last season in Portugal, I started to feel very inadequate on the court. I was out of balance, slow and unable to jump as high as normal. I felt that I was just getting old and not training as I used to. I moved back to Seattle and became part of the working world. I continued to play basketball recreationally and go to the gym to work out. My inadequacies continued to progress and soon it became very difficult to play or run on my own.

After a workout at my local gym, my personal trainer informed me that my problems with balance and strength were not normal of a typical 27 year old. So in August of 2006, I started my search for reason. A day before my 28th birthday, doctors told me that there were definite signs of a neuromuscular disease. I was devastated to know that the active life I had lived was in for a drastic change. I currently am unable to walk. I use a power chair and it has increased my independence and mobility so much. Life is easier despite the restrictions of living on wheels.

In 2007, I attended numerous doctors’ appointments in Seattle and Boston, and undergone several tests; doctors continue to lean on the initial diagnosis of ALS. My life has taken many different turns and I have journeyed down a path I never thought existed. However, despite all of the disappointment and setbacks I have learned to view life in a new way. I can truly say that I enjoy the simple things in life. Each day is cherished in a new and inviting way. My family and friends are the very blood that runs through my veins.

On behalf of myself, my family and all of my friends who have supported me along the way, I send a huge THANKS for your thoughts, prayers and support.

Sincerely,

Melissa Erickson

All questions, concerns and donations can be directed to Sarah Duncan, co-founder of the Melissa Erickson Foundation. Sarah can be reached at (425) 339-8556 or sdunc@myuw.net